School of Information (iSchool) alumna Khelsea Rantanen (MLIS ’15) has landed a new position as Head of Reference and Information Services at the Bay County Public Library in Panama City, Florida.

Stepping into this new role, Rantanen is responsible for providing direction and support to collection development librarians who are responsible for adult collections spanning fiction, nonfiction, graphic novels, and audiovisual materials for seven branches in three counties.

“Being selected for this role, in my opinion, means that I am ready to lead. I feel honored and daunted by the responsibility of leading a group of my peers for the first time. I am excited to serve my colleagues and provide excellent library services to our patrons,” Rantanen said.

Rantanen was eager to land this position because she wanted to challenge herself and work beyond her limits. “Working in a field that is dominated by women typically means we are paid less as a whole. Negotiating for a higher salary almost seems impossible. The only way to increase pay is to ascend the ranks of management,” she says. “So, up I try to go.”

During her time at the College of Communication and Information (CCI), Rantenan built skills that have been useful in her professional development. “While it may not seem important, the ability to make small talk in a professional setting allows you to build rapport and make connections that can lead to deeper, more meaningful relationships”, Rantanen said.

“I have been in the role for a few months now and I feel more confident and prepared to navigate conflict and emotional stress. It will certainly be an interesting next couple of years as I adjust in this role.”